Enterprise, Growth, and Opportunities (EGO) Foundation has partnered with Access bank to launch a work skills programme for undergraduates and fresh graduates.
The skills acquisition programme held at the Federal College of Education (FCE) Technical in Lagos was part of the foundation objective of reducing poverty and unemployment in Africa today.
The programme which was the first of its kind featured scholarships to students into tech-related programmes; free mentoring with accomplished professionals; jobs and internships offers, as well as funding opportunities provided by the organisers.
Toluwase Olaniyan, executive director of EGO Foundation, in his opening remarks noted that in the ever-changing world of work, there is a need for undergraduates and graduates to have the right skill-set as this can make all the difference in their careers.
Olaniyan lauded the headline sponsor, Access Bank PLC for their commitment to building a sustainable society through interventions like this designed to upskill young people in the country.
He further commended First Founders INC, Caladium Consulting Limited, WordenHCD Limited amongst others for their partnership on the project and for providing all necessary skills and resources the students require to succeed.
Head, Group Sustainability Access Corporation, said Access Bank Plc is committed to enhancing the employability as well as the entrepreneurial skills of youths to make them employable, self-reliant and job creators.
Akinola Ojelade, dean of student affairs of the college said that the skills acquisition event was timely due to the current realities of the world.
Ojelade charged the students to learn all that is necessary to make them relevant after their academic programmes.
The event featured both entrepreneurship and employability sessions with seasoned facilitators. A leading strategist, Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye stirred the audience through critical thinking, while successful entrepreneur, David Lanre Messan elaborated on strategies to navigate the business space in Nigeria. Ifreke Brendan, Head of Human Resources at CreditWave Finance Limited facilitated a CV writing workshop.
Taiwo Olaniyan, the Head of Business Support at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund spoke on the various opportunities that Lagos State provides through the organisation. These include grants, low-interest loans, and access to infrastructure. She encouraged the students not to feel too young to start their own businesses, noting that mistakes are sometimes necessary in order to become successful in any endeavour.
EGO Foundation has teamed up with Access Bank to deliver this project in 3 states: Lagos, Ogun and Oyo State. The Project which flagged off today at the Federal College of Education Akoka will be moving to Ogun and Oyo States in the coming days.
